Arab countries expressed their concern over a potential move by the United States to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, saying that it may lead to unrest and halt already stumbling peace efforts. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry cautioned against “the possible negative impacts” it could have on peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. For over two decades, consecutive US presidents have taken the same approach to the issue of Israel’s capital, refusing to move the US embassy in Israel from the current capital Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In the wake of the announcement, the State Department has warned its embassies around the world to tighten security measures, Politico reports. The status of Jerusalem has been disputed for decades, particularly since Israel occupied the West Bank where the city is located during the 1967 war.

Source: Egypt Independent December 05, 2017 13:30 UTC